NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW Exciting News: Restaurant Industry Triumphs in CRA's 2024 State Year-end Overview!
The legislative session concluded with many notable victories, reflecting the impact of our industry's collective advocacy. Several misguided bills were successfully opposed and stopped, including those proposing unjustified warning labels on decaffeinated coffee and the general prohibition of reasonable employer communication to employees outside of working hours. These outcomes- and the other major victories we have told you about already- underscore the significance of engagement and support in shaping positive legislative results. Watch News You Need to Know as Sabrina updates us on more wins.
RESTAURANT LEGAL ALERT Be Aware: Proposition 65 Scam
A Proposition 65 (mandated postings) bounty hunter is threatening legal action against restaurants that do not have a posted alcohol warning sign. Restaurants can avoid legal action by posting the sign and paying around $500 (adjusted for inflation) within 14 days.
Businesses are allowed a 14-day "cure period" to correct certain alleged violations without facing the total penalties. These predatory firms are out there now sending letters to restaurants- and counting on restaurants not knowing about the “cure provisions” or acting within the 14-day period. Get help fast with the CRA Legal Partners. CRA members get one call (not to exceed 15 minutes) of legal advice monthly from one of our legal partners.
Ojai joins other cities, hits pause on natural gas ban
Facing threats of a lawsuit, Ojai has decided against enforcing the city's ban on natural gas in new buildings. Discussion at the Sept. 24 meeting centered on a letter from the California Restaurant Association. In July, a lawyer for the association threatened legal action if the city continued to enforce its gas infrastructure ban after a similar ordinance in Berkeley was struck down by a federal appeals court last year. Ojai city staff members recommended the city suspend enforcement of its ban. They said they'll return with a report on alternatives for cutting greenhouse gas emissions that can withstand legal challenges.
California governor signs law allowing Dutch-style cannabis cafes
Starting next year, licensed California cannabis dispensaries may sell non-psychoactive food and nonalcoholic drinks and begin hosting live music events and performances. The new law allows for “cannabis cafes” akin to those popularized in the Netherlands and takes effect on January 1, 2025.
Effort to end tip credit creates sharp dive in Massachusetts
Advocates and opponents of Question 5 agree on one thing – if the ballot initiative passes in November, it will greatly impact the restaurant/bar industry and tipped employees. The initiative - sponsored by the advocacy group One Fair Wage - seeks to raise the minimum hourly wage for tipped workers until it equals that of all Massachusetts workers. Under Question 5, tipped employees would see their minimum rate rise over five years from the current $6.75 per hour to 100 percent of the state's minimum wage for all workers, currently $15 per hour.
What’s at stake for restaurants in the 2024 Presidential Election?
Restaurants may be in store for a bumpy end to an already challenging year. After spending the past few quarters trying to win back price-sensitive guests who largely cut back on dining out, the election could add another headwind into the mix.
A recent report from William Blair looked at the weighted year-over-year change in monthly retail sales from October through January during presidential elections compared to the trailing 12-month average to determine how political cycles impact consumer demand. The analysis excluded 2008 and 2020 due to the outsized economic effects of the Great Recession and COVID-19.
Tap into the pumpkin spice craze to drive more fall profits for your restaurant. In this article, SpotOn shares six ways to attract seasonal diners with clever menu additions, marketing strategies, and promotions that get customers talking—and spending.
Tailored for restaurant owners and operators, this training covers crucial wage and hour laws, proactive steps you should be taking now, whitepapers, and forms to use with employees.
NEW CRA MEMBERSHIP ALERT! More discounts and services available for CRA members
Paylocity: CRA members, get 20% off the list price when you get started with Paylocity through the CRA!
Are you looking for a stress-free HR platform that works for the modern restaurant and hospitality workforce? Look no further than Paylocity, our new CRA Marketplace Partner. With their easy-to-use product suite, you can streamline your HR and payroll processes to connect and retain your team members.
Visit calrest.org/Marketplace to learn about our new partners as well as all of our valuable Marketplace Partners with savings and offers for CRA members.
CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT FOUNDATION UPDATE CRA’s Foundation awards $170,500 in scholarships
For over four decades, the California Restaurant Foundation has supported future industry leaders with college scholarships. This year, the Foundation awarded $170,500 in co-branded scholarships.
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